Atlanta's New Atlas Restaurant Opens in Buckhead

Staff Report

Atlas, a new chef-driven restaurant developed by famed Atlanta restaurateur and consulting chef Gerry Klaskala and Tavistock Group, is now open at The St. Regis Atlanta at 88 West Paces Ferry Road NW. Atlanta’s newest dining destination is now accepting reservations atlasrestaurant.com or by calling 404-600-6471.

With a focus on curating fresh ingredients from local farms, the dinner-only restaurant celebrates the very best in seasonal American cuisine combined with European influences. The new concept embodies the culinary prowess of Gerry Klaskala, and architecture and design expertise from Bill Johnson and his acclaimed Johnson Studio.

“Developing Atlas was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Klaskala, founder of two of Atlanta’s most celebrated restaurants, Aria and Canoe. “Everyone involved on this project was guided by the same vision – to establish a chef-driven restaurant that will be a staple in Atlanta for years to come.”

Involved in nearly every aspect of the restaurant from the very beginning as consulting chef, Klaskala personally appointed protégé Christopher Grossman as chef de cuisine. Grossman, who most recently worked under Thomas Keller at the internationally renowned The French Laundry in Napa Valley, previously worked alongside Klaskala as chef de cuisine at Aria for four years. Together, the noted chefs have crafted a daily-changing menu that is rooted in classic American cuisine and reflects the seasonality of the regional produce thanks to partnerships with a collection of more than a dozen local farms.

“I am constantly inspired by the incredible array and quality of ingredients our local farms are producing,” said Grossman. “Impeccable execution of the best ingredients available will allow us to create dishes that excite guests and keep them coming back to see what we develop next.”

From Vonnie’s Young sprouts salad, the lightly cured Hiramasa kingfish and truffle-potato pierogi dumplings with slow-braised Australian wagyu, to the pecan-grilled Cervena venison tenderloin in a plum cherry puree and Jamison Farm lamb loin with roasted garlic lamb kielbasa and curry-cauliflower puree – Atlas’ ever-changing menu will be a welcomed addition to Atlanta’s restaurant scene. While the menu will change daily to feature the freshest ingredients, the opening menu can be viewed online at:http://atlasrestaurant.com/menus.

Complementing the culinary team’s innovative menu is Bill Johnson’s thoughtfully designed interior that illustrates a sophisticated charm with lacquered walls, overstuffed upholstered furniture and cozy banquettes. Adorning the walls of the Johnson Studio-designed space is an extraordinary collection of art including works from masters Picasso, Freud, Bacon, Soutine, van Gogh and Chagall from the Lewis Collection, one of the largest private art collections in the world.

Across from the hostess stand, above which Chaime Soutine’s famed ‘Portrait d’une Jeune Fille (Fille en Blouse Bleu)” hangs, Atlas’ library features more than 300 books on its shelves, which were hand selected to reflect both Atlanta culture and history as well as the art that adorns its walls.

“The artwork from the Lewis Collection being installed at Atlas is significant,” said Michael Shapiro, director of the High Museum of Art, “ and the Soutine painting featured at Atlas was an important addition to our recent exhibition. The restaurant will be an exciting place to visit for anyone interested in art.”

Look closely and you will see two of Atlanta’s historic artifacts: a program from the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize dinner honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., the youngest person and first Georgian to receive the prize; and a letter from President John F. Kennedy to Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr., recognizing his leadership during the Civil Rights movement.

From the green-tiled exhibition-style kitchen and outdoor terraced garden to the elegant private dining space and polished bar, every detail of Atlas has been carefully planned.

Committed to delivering an unparalleled dining experience from cuisine and atmosphere to service, Atlas appointed Jason Babb as general manager to lead the restaurant staff and internal operations. Babb, who most recently served as general manager of Bones in Atlanta, brings an unmatched level of precision and understanding of how to efficiently run a restaurant so that everyone’s expectations are exceeded.

“We want Atlas to be welcoming. We are striving for the highest service level and food experience in an environment we define as informal elegance,” said Babb.

The highly anticipated Atlas is the latest concept from the award-winning Tavistock Restaurant Collection that operates 14 distinct brands within its nationwide portfolio. The privately held Tavistock Group company is known for operating landmark restaurants across the country including Abe & Louie’s and Atlantic Fish Co. in Boston, ZED451 in Chicago, and Napa Valley Grille in Los Angeles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Atlas to our elite portfolio of restaurant brands,” said Tavistock Restaurant Collection CEO John Bettin. “The epitome of style and substance, every aspect of Atlas from the talented local staff, outstanding location, inviting atmosphere, terrific food and impeccable service, embodies the standard of excellence we deliver at our restaurants.”

“In addition to owning the St. Regis hotel in Atlanta, we look at Atlas as one more significant investment in Atlanta – a city whose future we are very bullish,” said Douglas McMahon, senior managing director of Tavistock Group.

Atlas is located at The St. Regis Atlanta, situated within the shopping and financial district of Buckhead at 88 West Paces Ferry Road NW. The restaurant serves dinner seven days a week and offers a private dining space for up to 12 guests. Reservations can be made at atlasrestaurant.com or by calling 404-600-6471. Valet parking is available nearby The St. Regis Atlanta porte-cochere underneath the ivy-clad Atlas sign. Follow Atlas on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.